NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Political ideology panacea to effective democracy- Shaibu

Political ideology panacea to effective democracy- Shaibu

232 total views today

By Deborah Coker

Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo, has stressed the need for political parties to be driven by ideology and effective leadership.

 

Shaibu, who disclosed this on Sunday to newsmen in Abuja, said the dividends of democracy would be better felt by Nigerians through political ideology.

 

He said that institutions like The Political Institute (TPI) of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) would serve as institution to guide and build future leaders of the country in the right direction.

 

The Institute is the official Think Tank as well as the Intellectual Resource Centre of the APC. It undertakes research and capacity training on leadership, good governance, political party management, development, public policy, democratization as well as other emerging national and relevant international issues.

 

It also undertakes research into contemporary national issues in governance and provide regular reports to the APC.

 

Shaibu also said that with a progressive leader in a party, everyone would invariably go with such leader, adding that same goes for reactionary leader, and would lead the party disintegrate.

 

“If we can follow through that political institute, we can start grooming leaders towards a particular ideology; and until that is done, I can tell you, all the political parties are only going to be a political party that is led by the vision of the leader.

 

‘’For that of PDP, the vision of the leaders is ambition, and when everything is not working towards that ambition, the polity of the party disintegrate.

 

“As far as the leadership of the PDP is concerned today, if the attitude continues the way it is, I can bet you that it will take another 20 years to rebuild the party,’’ Shaibu said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s politics is fraught with frequent defections among elected officials, particularly from opposition parties to the ruling party.

 

Shaibu however noted that what was key in spite of the gale of defections ahead of 2027, was how the dividend of democracy could be delivered to the people.

 

“Our people are not concerned about who is defecting and who is not defecting. But I also subscribe that we need to start building a political structure towards ideology that will also carry the grassroots towards that ideology where everybody will take ownership.

 

“I think it’s very key, because when everybody takes ownership of a political party from the grassroots to the top, then the issue of ideology is dealt with and everybody will also contribute their own quota to the building of the government that emerges from such a political party.

 

“But when the grassroots are not carried along in terms of the ideology and structure and the vision of the party, it’s difficult for even the government of that same political party to be able to build ownership,’’ he said.

 

Shaibu saluted the courage of President Bola Tinubu for the various reforms in the economic and political landscape of the country in the last two years of the administration.

 

“What we are seeing today is a grassroot politician being the president of Nigeria. We are seeing a very progressive minded democrat as the president and the leader of a political party.

 

“That is what is drawing everybody to his party, because of that acceptability.

 

The Edo former deputy governor further said that the country was gradually tilting into resetting how politics is being played.

 

“Progressive elements coming together, reactionary elements coming together. In the progressive party also, the issue of idea cross-multiplying, superior argument having its way, is where we are drifting into.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Strong political commitment, others vital for SAPZ project success – Adesina

Strong political commitment, others vital for SAPZ project success – Adesina

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 By Lucy Ogalue

The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, says strong political commitment, ministerial collaboration, and institutional support are vital for the success of SAPZ project.

Adesina spoke during the groundbreaking of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Kaduna State on Tuesday.

He noted that the success of SAPZs across Nigeria would depend on five key enablers for effective implementation and long-term sustainability.

“Firstly, strong political will and commitment at the highest levels must be maintained,” he said during his address at the launch event.

“Secondly, policy continuity is essential. Policy reversals with changing administrations create uncertainty and discourage potential investors.

“Thirdly, cross-ministerial cooperation is required for coordinated delivery and successful outcomes of the agro-industrial zones.

“Fourthly, to secure continuity across all 36 zones, the initiative must be codified by the National Assembly through appropriate legislation.

“Finally, to ensure proper coordination nationwide, this effort must be backed by law and institutional structures,” Adesina said.

The AfDB President commended the Federal Government and Kaduna State for their consistent support in making the Kaduna SAPZ project a reality.

Adesina described the development as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards transforming and industrialising its agricultural sector.

“This achievement reflects years of dedication, vision, and consistency in policy direction,” he said at the event.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s continued commitment to SAPZ as a presidential priority.

He also lauded Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, for continuing the legacy of former Governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai.

“What we witness today exemplifies the benefits of political stability and consistent governance,” Adesina said.

He recalled that the idea of agro-industrial zones began during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture over a decade ago.

“The project was delayed by institutional inertia and fragmented approaches, but today we celebrate its renewal and progress,” he said.

Kaduna SAPZ is part of the first phase, involving eight states and the Federal Capital Territory in the ambitious initiative.

The AfDB has invested $200 million in the $510 million project, co-financed by IFAD, IsDB, and the Green Climate Fund.

Adesina emphasised that SAPZ is more than a programme; it is a transformation agenda for Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development.

Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, reiterated the government’s dedication to agricultural transformation for economic growth.

The SAPZ initiative aims to make Nigeria a leading hub for food processing and agricultural exports.

Kaduna is expected to serve as a model for other states participating in the SAPZ programme.

Government officials, development partners, and stakeholders present at the event pledged their full support for the project’s success. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ese E. Eniola Williams

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